The Nuggets officially signed Serbian center Nikola Jokic on Tuesday, they announced.

Jokic’s contract is a four-year deal worth $5.5 million. The fourth year is a team option.

Jokic’s arrival to Denver was highly anticipated after the 6-foot-10, 250-pound player received rave reviews for his play overseas with KK Mega Vizura of the Adriatic League. A heady performer, he quickly impressed the Nuggets new coaching staff with high basketball IQ plays and the threat of being a decision-maker as well as a shot maker.

“I’ve been impressed with Nikola and how well he’s picked things up,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “So very, very skilled. A guy who is a face-up player, can knock down the jump shot, great passer, whether it’s when he has the ball in the post or when we get a defensive rebound; his first look is down the floor.

“He’s able to make those length of the floor Kevin Love-type passes, which is really impressive. And offensively he’s getting more comfortable.”

Jokic started all five games for the Nuggets during summer league. He averaged 8.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 blocks in 21 minutes per game. His best game was a 10-point, 11-rebound performance against Sacramento.

“Against Sacramento he was outstanding,” Malone said. “I think he had a double-double, points and rebounds. He had two assists, three steals, two blocks — he did a little bit of everything.”